Ireland Michael Kelley sent forward for trial over murder of Kerry farmer Mike Gaine
US national Michael Kelley, 54, was sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court after being served with the book of evidence at Tralee District Court on 27 May 2026. He is charged with the murder of 56-year-old Kerry farmer Mike Gaine at his farm in Carrig East, Kenmare, Co Kerry, in March 2025.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court27 May
2 reports - Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports28 statements extracted from the articles
- whatMichael Kelley was returned for trial on a murder charge. (irishtimes.com)
- whatKelley made his eighth court appearance in relation to the matter. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe court appearance took place at Tralee District Court. (irishtimes.com)
- whenGaine was last seen at a Centra shop in Kenmare on the morning of 20 March 2025. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe disappearance sparked a massive search involving over 200 volunteers, the Civil Defence, Coast Guard, Defence Forces, a garda helicopter and multiple Garda units. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationGardaí upgraded the case to a homicide investigation on 29 April 2025. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeKelley is charged with murdering Gaine at Carrig East, Kenmare on a date unknown between March 20th and 21st, 2025. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeKelley was first charged with the offence in February 2026. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtA book of evidence was served on Kelley and the matter was returned to the next sittings of the Central Criminal Court. (irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge David Waters noted that bail is not available on a murder charge at District Court level and granted the order. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe judge warned Kelley that if he planned to rely on an alibi, he would have to disclose it to the prosecution within 14 days. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMichael Kelley was sent forward for trial before the Central Criminal Court after being served with the book of evidence. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtKelley was given the standard alibi warning by Judge David Waters at Tralee District Court. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe case is to be sent to the next sitting of the Central Criminal Court for trial before a judge and jury. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtJudge Waters noted Kelley is in custody and that bail on a murder charge is not a matter for the district court. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtLegal aid was granted to Kelley. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherKelley's solicitor Pat Mann applied for free legal aid seeking two counsel for the murder charge, which was granted. (irishtimes.com)
- otherKelley was escorted in custody from the courtroom by prison officers. (irishtimes.com)
- otherKelley is a native of Belfast, Maine in the US northeast. (irishtimes.com)
- otherKelley served in the US army in the early 1990s. (irishtimes.com)
- otherKelley came to Ireland in 2017. (irishtimes.com)
- otherKelley applied for asylum on arrival at Dublin Airport. (irishtimes.com)
- otherKelley was accommodated by the International Protection Accommodation Service at a centre in Killarney for some months. (irishtimes.com)
- otherKelley went to live in woods in the Killarney National Park and spent a winter camping in woods in Kenmare. (irishtimes.com)
- otherKelley obtained work as a farmhand from Gaine at the start of 2022. (irishtimes.com)
- otherKelley had been living at the old Gaine family homestead at Carrig East. (irishtimes.com)
- otherGaine paid Kelley €100 a week and allowed him to live rent-free in return for helping out on the farm. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMike Gaine is described as a Co Kerry sheep farmer who disappeared from his farm near Kenmare more than a year ago. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 27 May2026Man accused of murdering Kerry farmer Mike Gaine sent forward for trial
Reports that Kelley was sent forward for trial at Tralee District Court, given the standard alibi warning by Judge David Waters, and that the case will proceed to the next sitting of the Central Criminal Court. Also provides background on the investigation: Gaine's disappearance was initially treated as a missing person case, upgraded to homicide on 29 April 2025, and his dismembered remains were found on his land on 16 May 2025.
victim, Mike Gaine, 56, male, irish (judged from name)Mike Gaineaccused, Michael Kelley, 54, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Michael Kelley - 27 May2026Former US soldier sent forward for trial accused of Michael Gaine’s murder
Adds detail on Kelley's background (US army service in early 1990s, arrival in Ireland in 2017, asylum application, living in Killarney National Park, working as a farmhand for Gaine from early 2022 at €100/week rent-free), the judge's alibi warning with a 14-day disclosure deadline, his solicitor Pat Mann's application for free legal aid with two counsel, and that Kelley was in custody when escorted from the courtroom.
victim, Mike Gaine, male, irish (judged from name)Mike Gainesuspect, Michael Kelley, 54, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Michael Kelley